Ward 6 Weekly Update 7/21/2023

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July 21, 2023

Ballot Questions: Sales Tax, Early Learning

ballot measure


This week, City Council passed two resolutions; each one will bring a ballot measure before the people of Saint Paul.

The first resolution (RES 23-1073) approves the ballot question to be voted on during the November 7, 2023 general election regarding a 1% sales tax for improvements to streets, bridges, and parks. The ballot question will ask, "Should the City of Saint Paul establish a one percent (1%) sales and use tax over the next 20 years to generate $738,000,000 to repair and improve streets and bridges, $246,000,000 to improve parks and recreation facilities, and associated bonding costs?" 

The second resolution (RES 23-1094), orders a special election to be held on November 5, 2024 to add a ballot question on whether the City should create a dedicated fund for subsidies for children's early care and education through a property tax levy. The question will read, "In order to create a dedicated fund for children’s early care and education to be administered by a City department or office that provides subsidies to families and providers so that early care and education is no cost to low-income families and available on a sliding scale to other families, and so as to increase the number of child care slots and support the child care workforce, shall the City of Saint Paul be authorized to levy property taxes in the amount of $2,000,000 in the first year, to increase by the same amount each year following for the next nine years ($4,000,000 of property taxes levied in year two, $6,000,000 in year three, $8,000,000 in year four and so on until $20,000,000 of property taxes are levied in year ten)?"

Read each resolution and listen to the Council discussion from the July 19th City council meeting


Join a Purple Line Station Area Working Group

Purple Line


Ramsey County is looking for community members to share ideas for areas around planned
Purple Line bus rapid transit (BRT) stations.

If you live, work, or play along the Purple Line route in Saint Paul, then this group is for you!

  • The Saint Paul Station Area Working Groups will meet three times from August 2023 to July 2024.
  • All Station Area Working Group members will receive $25 per meeting.
  • Meals will be provided at in-person meetings.

For questions about the Station Area Planning Working Groups, please email Denetrick Powers at powers@neoopartners.com.


Rail Road Island Neighborhood Group Block Party

RING Block Party 2023


The Railroad Island Neighborhood Group (RING) is hosting their annual National Night Out Block Party on Tuesday August 1st from 6-8PM at the neighborhood sign park (Desoto & Tedesco). Come for free food, activities, and community!


Rivoli Bluff Bash 

Rivoli Bluff Bash 2023


Back for a third year, visit Urban Roots' largest growing site at this open house-style, family-friendly event -- Rivoli Bluff Bash! This event will include fresh produce for sale from the Mobile Market (SNAP/EBT accepted), food trucks, Children's Garden activities, community organization information tables, and more! Rivoli Bluff Bash is free to attend but registration is required.


Liu Ming Yuan Garden Poetry Contest

Poetry contest


Enter to win this year's Liu Ming Yuan Garden Poetry Contest! The theme this year is "friendship". Poems will be accepted in Dakota, Hmong, Chinese, and English. Open to all ages. Please submit your poetry here by September 15, 2023!


2023 Cultural STAR Deadline Extended

Cultural STAR grant deadline extended


The Cultural STAR grant 
application deadline has been extended until Thursday, July 27 at 4 p.m.

This program provides grants for arts and cultural programming and organizations within the City of Saint Paul.

Apply today at stpaul.gov/cultural-star.


Call for Artwork Submissions - 2023 Solidarity Street Gallery

Solidarity Street Gallery 1solidarity street gallery 2


Join in celebrating the tapestry of cultures in our neighborhood! Participate in the 2023 Solidarity Street Gallery fine-art exhibition on September 8 and 9 - in its 4th year in 2023!

This call for artwork is open to all - and free!
"We are encouraging all visual artists to participate, be they local or national, and be they well established or emerging! We are seeking diverse representation of all the groups who live, work and shop in our neighborhood - and yours - be they recent immigrants, new arrivals in the neighborhood, or long-term residents."

Please submit your art for the 2023 Solidarity Street Gallery by July 31st.


2023 Neighborhood STAR Applications Open

Neighborhood STAR program


Applications are now open
 for the 2023 
Neighborhood STAR program funding round. Completed applications must be submitted by Monday, July 31 at 4 p.m.

Find more details, specific program guidelines and a link to the application at stpaul.gov/nstar.

Program changes for 2023 

The Saint Paul City Council recently adopted guideline changes for Neighborhood STAR to increase accessibility to grant funds. These changes include:  

  • In 2023, Neighborhood STAR will be a grants-only program (no loan awards)
  • Grant requests of up to $50,000 will no longer require matching funds. Going forward, only grant requests of over $50,000 will require one-to-one matching funds in the full amount of the Neighborhood STAR funding request.

ESNDC Friendly Storefronts Program

ESNDC Friendly Storefronts Program


Attention Ward 6 Businesses! Are you looking to refresh the appearance of your storefront this summer? Check out East Side Neighborhood Development Company’s Friendly Storefronts Program - Grant funding is available for façade improvement projects on a first come basis. See the flyer for general program guidelines, and send all inquiries to jmcgregor@esndc.org to start the application process!

Contact Us

Email: ward6@stpaul.gov

Phone: 651-266-8660

Facebook: NelsieYangWard6

Twitter: @NelsieYangCM

Meet & Greet virtual appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.


Payne-Phalen Community Cookout

Payne-Phalen Community Cookout


You're invited to the Payne-Phalen Community Cookout! TOMORROW, Saturday July 22, 2023, 4 - 7 PM at the Phalen Park Pavilion (1600 Phalen Drive). There will be free food and games for all ages!


Swimming Lessons Scholarships

Free Swim Lessons


Apply for no-cost swimming lessons through Saint Paul Aquatics! You can get more details and apply for the scholarship in-person at any of the 3 St Paul Aquatics centers, or by calling 651-642-0390.


East Side Artmobile!

East Side Artmobile


Join in the FREE drop-in art classes for youth at different recreation centers each weekday. Taught by professional artists. Each week is a new take-home art project.

Two sessions offered: July 10 - 28, and July 31 - August 18.

Click here to view the East Side Art Council's Artmobile summer schedule.


MN China Friendship Garden Society Board Nominations and Volunteer Opportunities

MN China Friendship Garden Layout


The MN China Friendship Garden Society is looking for Board Nominations and Volunteers for its standing committees. If you are interested in being a Board Member or participating on the Garden Society’s committees use this link to apply. Applications need to be submitted by August 10th.

This is a particularly exciting time to be involved with the Garden Society as, in partnership with St. Paul Parks and Rec, we have begun the construction of Phase II of Liu Ming Yuan (click for photos). The first feature to be added is the Hmong Plaza, one of 7 features to be added to the garden.


Free Meals for Kids and Teens

SPPS Free Summer Meals Food Truck


Summer meals are available at NO COST to kids 18 and under, or those over 18 with a disability enrolled in a school program. 

SPPS Nutrition Services’ food truck will serve meals at daily locations from June 26 to August 18. 

Check out the FREE summer meal schedule and menu here!


2023 Business Awards

Saint Paul Business Awards


Join us in celebrating the vibrant business community of St Paul and show your support for local entrepreneurs who make this city shine!

Submit nominations or apply here for the 2023 St Paul City Council’s Business Awards!


Join a State Board, Committee or Commission

MN Secretary of State openings


The MN Secretary of State has a large number of open seats on various state boards, commissions, and committees. If you live or work in the City of St Paul, one of these spots could be for you! View and apply for open state board, commission, and committee positions here.


Summer Fun through St Paul Parks & Recreation

Paddle Share group photo of kayakers going down Mississippi River


Choose from a variety of fun summer programming options for youth through Saint Paul Parks & Recreation

Summer camps & activities

Summer Rec Check - FREE

Summer S'more Fun

Recreation in Motion - FREE


Ward 6 Year Round STAR Grant

Ward 6 STAR funding


If you run a business or non-profit in St Paul Ward 6 and are you needing to make a permanent improvement (lasting 7+ years) to your building, you may be eligible for Ward 6 Year-Round STAR Funding!

Please email our office with information on your project to receive an application. Read full STAR eligibility guidelines here. Applications are subject to approval from the Saint Paul STAR Board and Saint Paul City Council.  


Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens

Property tax deferral


Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens through the State of MN may allow you to defer a portion of the property taxes you owe. Visit the link above or call 651-556-6091.


COVID Testing and Treatment Resources

Test to Treat


Find test-to-treat locations  where you can get and fill COVID treatment medications same-day. 

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Self-testing 

What to do if you are Sick or Test Positive: COVID-19

Close Contact or Exposure to COVID-19